Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often called FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States. He served from 1933 until he passed away in 1945, making him the longest-serving president in U.S. history. He was also the only president to be elected four times.

Roosevelt first gained attention when he was elected to the New York State Senate in 1910 and later became the assistant secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. In 1921, an illness permanently paralyzed his legs, but with the support of his wife Eleanor, he returned to public service and was elected governor of New York in 1928.

In the 1932 presidential election, Roosevelt defeated President Herbert Hoover and became president during a very difficult time called the Great Depression. His first 100 days in office were very busy, with many new laws to help people find jobs and support farmers. He created important programs like Social Security to help older people and those in need.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Roosevelt led the United States into World War II. He worked closely with leaders from other countries to fight against the Axis powers, including Nazi Germany. Roosevelt also helped start the idea for the United Nations to keep peace after the war. He was reelected in 1944 but sadly passed away the following year.

Early life and marriage

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, to businessman James Roosevelt I and his second wife, Sara Ann Delano. He grew up in a wealthy family at Springwood, a large estate. His father took him to meet President Grover Cleveland once, and his mother had a strong influence on him.

Roosevelt learned to ride, sail, and play sports. He traveled often to Europe as a child, which helped him learn German and French. He was homeschooled until age 14 and then went to Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts. Later, he attended Harvard College, where he became editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson newspaper. After graduating, he started studying law at Columbia Law School but left before finishing to work at a law firm in New York City.

In 1903, Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt. They had six children together. Though their marriage faced challenges, they worked together closely in politics.

Early political career (1910–1920)

Roosevelt did not enjoy practicing law and decided to enter politics. He joined the Democratic Party, like his father, and prepared to run for the New York State Assembly in the 1910 elections. However, he ended up running for the New York State Senate instead. Despite the district being strongly Republican, Roosevelt worked hard on his campaign and won a surprising victory in the 1910 US elections.

As a senator, Roosevelt worked hard and became a leader against the Tammany Hall machine. He supported Woodrow Wilson for president in 1912 and was re-elected in 1912. He chaired the Agriculture Committee and began supporting labor and social welfare programs.

Roosevelt’s support for Wilson led to his appointment in March 1913 as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He helped improve the Navy and worked on issues like fair treatment for workers. During World War I, he helped expand the Navy and traveled to Europe to meet with leaders. After the war, he helped organize the Navy’s demobilization and pushed to keep the Navy’s Aviation Division.

Roosevelt later sought the 1920 vice presidential nomination and was chosen as the running mate for Governor James M. Cox of Ohio. Although they lost the election, Roosevelt felt the campaign helped him in his future political efforts. His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, also began taking an active role in his political life.

Paralytic illness and political comeback (1921–1928)

Further information: Paralytic illness of Franklin D. Roosevelt

In 1921, while on vacation, Franklin D. Roosevelt became very ill and was diagnosed with polio, which made him unable to walk without help. Though some later studies suggested another condition, he was treated as having polio at the time. Despite this, Roosevelt was determined to continue his political career. With help from his wife and a close friend, he learned to walk short distances using special braces and never used his wheelchair in public. He always stood with support when appearing in public.

Roosevelt spent much of his time in the Southern US, where he created a rehabilitation center in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 1926. He stayed involved in politics in New York and made important connections in the South. In 1922, he publicly supported Al Smith’s successful campaign for governor of New York, showing he was still an important political figure. Roosevelt also spoke at important Democratic events in 1924 and 1928, marking his return to public life after his illness.

Governor of New York (1929–1932)

Main article: Governorship of Franklin D. Roosevelt

In the 1928 election, a leader of the Democratic Party asked Franklin D. Roosevelt to run to be the governor of New York. At first, Roosevelt wasn’t sure he wanted to do it, but party leaders convinced him that he was the best person for the job. He won the election by a very small margin.

As governor, Roosevelt worked on big projects like building hydroelectric power plants and helped people during tough times in farming. He started talking to people on the radio in what he called “fireside chats”, sharing his ideas and plans. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 happened and started the Great Depression, Roosevelt created new programs to help people find jobs and support those who were struggling.

Roosevelt was re-elected for a second term and continued to push for new ways to help New Yorkers, including plans for helping older people and protecting the state’s forests. He also looked into problems with corruption in the city, which led to important changes in how the city was run.

1932 presidential election

Main article: 1932 United States presidential election

As the 1932 presidential election approached, Franklin D. Roosevelt built a team to help him campaign. He had advisors from universities like Columbia and Harvard. Even though some people doubted his abilities, Roosevelt’s work as governor during tough economic times made him a strong candidate. He gained support from many people, especially in the South and West, though some conservatives opposed him.

Roosevelt won the Democratic nomination after several rounds of voting. He promised a “new deal” for America, with plans to help farmers, build public works, and change laws to protect people’s money. He also supported ending Prohibition, though he hadn’t said this clearly before. Roosevelt won the election with 57% of the votes and became very popular. His success brought together many different groups, changing American politics for years.

Transition and assassination attempt

Main articles: Presidential transition of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Attempted assassination of Franklin D. Roosevelt

After winning the election in November 1932, Roosevelt waited until March to become president. During this time, he chose people to help him in his new government, including the first woman in a cabinet position. In February 1933, just before he took office, someone tried to shoot Roosevelt, but a mayor who was sitting next to him was hurt instead.

Presidency (1933–1945)

As president, Roosevelt made important decisions himself, even though he had strong advisors. He believed in using his power to inspire and lead the country through tough times.

First and second terms (1933–1941)

When Roosevelt became president in 1933, the United States was struggling with the Great Depression. Many people were out of work, and the economy was very weak. Roosevelt introduced programs to help people find jobs and improve the economy. He spoke directly to the public through radio broadcasts called "fireside chats," which helped restore confidence.

Roosevelt created new government programs to provide relief and jobs. These included building public works like dams and bridges, and helping farmers and workers. He also passed laws to protect workers and ensure fair wages. In 1936, Roosevelt was re-elected with a large majority, showing strong public support for his efforts.

Third term (1941–1945)

World War II became the main focus during Roosevelt's third term. He worked to support allies like Britain and China while keeping the United States prepared for war. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States entered the war. Roosevelt led the country through the conflict, focusing on both military strategy and supporting the home front.

Roosevelt worked with leaders from other countries to plan the war and the future peace. He pushed for the creation of the United Nations to help keep peace after the war. His leadership during this time was crucial in guiding the United States through one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Fourth term (1945)

Roosevelt was re-elected in 1944, showing that the public still supported his leadership. During his fourth term, he continued to focus on the war and the plans for peace afterward. Unfortunately, he passed away in April 1945, before the war ended. His efforts helped shape the United States' role in the world during and after the war.

Severe health decline and death

Roosevelt had health problems for several years. In 1944, doctors found he had heart and blood vessel issues and needed to rest more. During his campaign that year, his team said he was fine, but he knew his health was getting worse.

By early 1945, people noticed how much older and weaker he looked. On April 12, while sitting for a painting, he suddenly felt very sick and lost consciousness. Doctors found he had a serious brain issue and he passed away that day at age 63.

Funeral and burial

Roosevelt’s funeral was held in Washington, D.C., with many people watching as his body traveled by train to his home in Hyde Park, New York. He was buried in the rose garden there, as he had wished. His death was felt deeply around the world.

Philosophy and views

Economic philosophy

Further information: Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1941)

From 1933 onward, Roosevelt believed that emergency spending programs should be temporary. He did not support ideas about spending more than needed, suggested by some experts like John Maynard Keynes. In 1935, Roosevelt wanted to change tax laws, asking for higher taxes on very rich people, bigger taxes when someone passes away, and new taxes on big businesses. Congress passed laws that raised taxes on the richest people, though not as much as Roosevelt hoped. In 1936, Roosevelt created a group to suggest changes to how the government worked. They suggested grouping many smaller parts into bigger ones and letting the president have more helpers. This led to new laws and the creation of groups to help the president manage better.

Geopolitical philosophy

Further information: United Kingdom–United States relations in World War II and Diplomatic history of World War II

In 1941, Roosevelt met with a leader from Britain and they decided to focus first on defeating Germany before Japan. Roosevelt talked about working together with other big countries during the war. He built groups to help manage the war effort, like making sure there were enough supplies and keeping prices fair.

In 1939, Roosevelt started thinking about the possibility of new, very powerful weapons. This led to important research that would change history.

Racial views and civil rights

Roosevelt supported some groups, like people from China and the Philippines, but not others, like people from Japan, during World War II. He made decisions that affected many people, including some unfair treatments of people from Mexico and Japan.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped support fair treatment for African Americans. In 1941, Roosevelt created a group to make sure that people were treated fairly when looking for jobs, especially in defense work. This helped many African Americans get better job opportunities.

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, there were worries about people from Japan living in the United States. In 1942, Roosevelt made a decision that moved many Japanese American citizens and immigrants to special camps far away from the coast. This was a difficult time for many families.

Legacy

Historical reception

Franklin D. Roosevelt is seen as one of the most important leaders in U.S. history and a key figure of the 20th century. Many experts rank him among the greatest U.S. presidents, along with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. His time as president helped the United States move through tough times, like the Great Depression and World War II, toward a stronger future. He worked hard to support everyday people and those in need, which made him popular with many workers and groups. His presidency changed the role of the government, making it more involved in helping people. He also helped shape the United States as a leader in the world.

After Roosevelt’s time as president, many of his ideas continued to influence the country. His wife, Eleanor, kept working for important causes, like human rights. Some of his supporters became leaders later on. But not everyone agreed with Roosevelt’s actions. Some people disagreed with his policies, especially when he chose to serve more than two terms as president. There were also debates about some of his decisions during World War II and his economic policies.

Memorials and commemorations

Main article: List of memorials to Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt is remembered in many ways. A coin called the Roosevelt dime has been made since 1946. His home in Hyde Park is a national historic site and also houses his presidential library. In Washington, D.C., there are two memorials for him, one on the Tidal Basin and a smaller one near the National Archives. He is also featured on several U.S. postage stamps, and a ship named after him served the U.S. Navy for many years. In Paris, a metro station is named after him, and London has a memorial tablet in his honor. Other places and projects, like a park and art designs, also remember his work and the ideas he stood for.

Selected works

Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote several books during his lifetime. Some of his notable works include Whither Bound? (1926), The Happy Warrior Alfred E. Smith (1928), Looking Forward (1933), and The Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt, which was published in 13 volumes between 1938 and 1950.